AARTA - Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona
Welcome to AARTA's "News" Page!
Here you will find our:
- Featured Adoptable Dog
- fundraiser & tax deductible donations information
- events calendar link
- adoption process
- adoption fee structure
- Special News & Announcements
- "Wish List" of our needs
Click here to see our Adoption Events through DECEMBER 2009 ---- come on out and see our Available Akitas, and a few small dogs too!
Check back often to see new Events as they are added.
Happy Tails page - visit adopted dogs in their forever homes!
www.AkitaAdvocates.com - Meet Our Adoptable Dogs! --- AARTA's Main Website
Our Akita Advocates 2010 CALENDARS are completed and for sale Now --- over a dozen beautiful Akitas in their Forever homes --- only $15.00 plus postage if shipping required! Just in time for Gift Giving!!! Contact us at AkitaAdvocates@cox.net to place your order before they're all gone!
You may have noticed since January 2008 that we have taken in a number of small dogs and puppies in need, when foster space allows. While we are still primarily focused on the Akita breed first and foremost, those of us who receive daily emails with Euthanasia lists for three county shelters, and get contacted by three Humane Societies, all just within Arizona, just couldn't bear to keep our blinders on any longer.
So if you know of someone looking to adopt, or foster, small breed dogs (usually mixes) or occassionally puppies ---- please send them our way --- we can use help with ALL the dogs!
AARTA's Goal is to end the Euthanasia of homeless pets, Akitas first, but not stopping there.
IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO WANTS A PUPPY... of ANY BREED.... Contact us via EMAIL at AkitaAdvocates@cox.net ------ CHANCES ARE WE CAN GET THEM A REFERRAL OF A GOOD, ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE BREEDER ----- PLEASE Keep Your Family & Friends Educated and Direct Them to Good, Ethical, Reputable & Responsible Breeders (see our Definition: "How Does AARTA Define a "Good, Ethical, Reputable & Responsible Breeder"", further below) --- AND --- To Stay Away from Getting Animals from Pet Stores --- it's not "Saving" them, it's Simply Keeping Puppymills "in business"!
November 2009:
This last week of November has been tough on our Akita "family", with three of "our" old senior gals crossing the bridge: The Harris's "Beni", Sia's "Cita", and Carol R's "Molly". We wish them God's Speed and know they are waiting for their loved ones at the Rainbow Bridge.
"Tails of Rescue" -- book finished & on Sale!
The special and gregarious gal Cita, will be forever remembered in a new book on rescued dogs, titled Tails of Rescue by local Phoenix pet lover, photographer, artist, and writer, Susan Richey.
The book is on sale now on her website below. A portion of the sale of each book will be donated to PACC911's EMF. Deb's "failed foster" Mitsu, is also featured in the book, each with their stories, along with many other purebred rescued dogs and some mixes.
We hope you'll take a look ---- Add this wonderful collection to your very own library ---- or give a few as Holiday Gifts to the dog lovers in your family.
Susan Schmitz (f/k/a Susan Richey)
Main Website: www.ADogsLifePhoto.com
Book Website: "Tails of Rescue" -- the book!
Blog: www.PhoenixDogPhotography.com
Phone: 602-386-9997
PACC911's EMF (Phoenix Animal Care Coalition - Emergency Medical Fund).
Many of you are familiar with PACC911 if you've adopted from, or volunteered with us at an adoption event. It is the organazation of which AARTA is a member, that puts on the awesome "cookie cutter" events - we never have to wonder if there will be trash cans, water, a map of the venue, etc. Things you don't think about until you do "a different" event who isn't quite so organized -- but these little things mean a lot!
The EMF doles out the till to groups who are members like ourselves, to cover up to 50% of a special need such as bloat, or orthapedic surgery, anything other than normal spay/neuter and maintenance care, shots, etc. We are VERY GRATEFUL for This Program! For the past two years, the annual cap per group, has been $1600. For the past two years, we've encountered needs that took that amount for just one dog --- with lots of expenses above and beyond. Your Contribution can not only sustain this -- but Elevate the amounts so more funds are available! Raffles and sale items at PACC911 Booths at all their events fund the EMF, as well as much of the Bowl-A-Rama goodies the day of that event. BE Part of the FUN! Support PACC911!!
Show your love of Akitas and support of Akita Rescue with your very own Akita Rescue mug!!
Visit our Zazzle store: AkitaZazzle's Gallery at Zazzle to purchase a stylin' coffee mug or even postage stamps with our vivid AARTA logo!! CHECK OUT our newest product -- a stainless steel travel mug!
WINTER IS Here!!
Please keep our fluffy friends in mind when planning your contributions.
It isn't too late to plan your 2009 Charitable Giving for TAX time which is right around the corner.
Each dog we save touches not only our hearts, but greatly impacts the lucky family that adopts him or her. In this way we are enriching the lives of our adoptive familes, as well as saving the lives of these beautiful dogs.
Mail your check today made out to "C.A.B.R.A. -- AARTA" at P. O. Box 12016, Glendale, Arizona 85318-2016, for a tax-deductible receipt for your contribution.
**When a receipt isn't needed, feel free to use our safe and secure PayPal button at www.AkitaAdvocates.com .
** THANK YOU!!
Our Featured Pet... An Energetic Loving young Akita mix
male, named KOSHIN.
On a cuteness scale of 1-10, Im a 12! Everyone whose met me said I was sooooo cute, but they all had 50 gazillion dogs already and no more room for me. I really love meeting new people and dogs, and I LOVE attention. Id love a home with some canine brothers or sisters, cause I really love to play with doggie friends. I spent some time at Pete & Macs Pet Resort in No. Phoenix, and played well with my buddies, and got a good report card. Ive learned a lot from my foster mom, heres her report card:
Koshin knows sit, down, come, and is working on stay. He sits nice and waits for his food to be put down. He learned to catch treats when thrown in the air in just a few trys. Hes crate trained and house trained. He walks without pulling with a Gentle Leader head harness which will go with him to his new home. Koshin would be a great agility dog, as he learns quickly, wants to please, will work for praise or treats, and really likes to be active.
Right now Im being fostered at what amounts to an old age home for dogs---all the other dogs are really elderly and want to sleep all day. So Im very lonely, looking for a play partner. Im about half the size of an Akita, maybe 60 lbs at most. My foster mom calls me Half-Pint, since she is used to bigger dogs.
Im about 1 ½ to 2 yrs old. I play well with all other dogs, big or small, girl or boy, young or old, but would not do well around a cat (Id love to chase a cat though).
Koshin's name means "Renewal" and is so named because he renewed the spirit of one of our volunteers who found him at the shelter and rallied to find him a foster home.
Koshin is up to date on vaccinations, neutered, and microchipped before placement. He is looking for a home and human to call his own! Koshin was one of our 2008 "Christmas dogs", a dog we got out of the shelter who was going to be euthanized --- we pull at least one every year even if it is a tight fit.
*Please consider Koshin - so friendly with other dogs & people - so we can have room for yet another THIS Christmas, and Save Another!*
Contact us at AkitaAdvocates@cox,net, 602-547-9658, or 602-882-5482 to set up a time to meet him.
Adoption process
Our process consists of completing an adoption application/contract, an interview, your family joining us to visit the Akita(s) you are interested in adopting. We perform home visits and there is an adoption fee*.
Everyone living with your new friend is required to meet the dog prior to placement to assure everyone's comfort, this includes other pets, particularly dogs. Dog to dog introductions are done on neutral ground so each can put their best paw forward and avoid common territorial issues.
Our thorough process helps ensure all our Akita friends go into appropriate, safe, loving forever homes. To meet one of our dogs, please complete our adoption application first. This is done out of respect for our volunteers and foster homes, as all have busy schedules, jobs, pets, and families of their own. Please understand everyone involved is a volunteer who does this for the love of the dogs; we have no paid employees.
Adoption fees are refundable within 14 days of placement, once the dog has again been placed. In some circumstances we will extend this time frame, please ask! Understand that we operate on a shoestring budget and have only adoption fees and donations as "income" for all vet, boarding, food, supplies, insurance and other expenses required.
Adoption fees
AARTA adoption fees are based on age and include spay or neuter surgery, microchipping, and all vaccinations up to date. We provide you with all the medical records and information we have, with each dog. Dogs from a Maricopa County Animal Care & Control facility (MCACC) are licensed for Maricopa county.
Purebreds ----
Mixes ----
Our only sources of income are donations and sometimes adoption fees, if the dog's bills are not extensive. Your donations support our efforts saving and re-homing Akitas, and are 100% tax-deductible. Simply make your check out payable to "C.A.B.R.A. - A.A.R.T.A." and mail to Our New Address: P.O. Box 12016, Glendale, AZ 85318-2016. You will receive a tax-deductible receipt by mail, appropriate for filing your yearly taxes. Thank you!
As you can see by our adoption fees, we don't recoup much of the expenses by the fees, so
Every amount, DONATION, or SERVICE you PROVIDE makes a difference----no amount is too small! Send a check to our P.O. Box listed above, or visit www.AkitaAdvocates.com and use our convenient PayPal button, OR Contact us and tell us What you can Provide. WE'RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR DONATIONS OF GIFT CERTIFICATES, GIFT BASKETS, GIFT ITEMS, TRIP VOUCHERS, ANYTHING OF VALUE THAT WE CAN DO A BIG, BIG RAFFLE WITH! WE ARE OPEN FOR SUGGESTIONS!!!
There are many people with intact Akitas animals who can and do "breed" yet have no regard of where their puppies (or cats, birds, red sliders, etc) end up. Maybe as an overbred mother or stud for a breeder selling puppies on a street corner which is unfortunately common, yet now outlawed on Phoenix city streets.
AARTA can provide a list of Known, Good, Ethical & Reputable breeders, of ANY breed, with active breeding programs. Just Ask -- we're well connected! We can recommend local breeders quickly, others may take a couple of days using our well developed network.
Please be aware too that some of these so-called "breeders" are very slick marketers & abound online, YouTube, etc. For example, who would post anything less than glowing on a testimonial page? Odds are anybody makes someone happy some of the time. As the saying goes "Even a broken clock is right two times every day" right? Don't get sucked into pages of glory, go and visit the breeder often, sit in their home, see their ribbons, get to know them.
AARTA gets about 98% of our dogs from the local shelters. Roughly half are from Hunte Corp (puppymill distributor to the pet stores) and the rest are from locals (there are many) who don't care about where their puppies go once they're paid for. We've seen dogs and then see their cousins a year later... in the shelter, even as puppies... we see telltale bent ears and extra sets of teeth, no socialization, etc. It is very sad.
AARTA's goal, is to eliminate homeless pets, Akitas first & foremost, by ensuring they go to forever homes first (by directing people to breeders with scruples rather than intact dogs & greed) and by helping people work out ways to keep their dogs when issues do arise. We agree that there are times when failing health or a catastrophe necessitates the need to rehome an animal, but not at the insane rates we see year after year.
We're making a dent, and that mark is getting bigger every year. There's a lot of heartbreak in rescue, and the ones that are so preventable come from lousy breeders placing inappropriately. A good breeder knows their lines, can see tendencies towards personalities (still no guarantee but it helps) and will usually not place same sex together in a home, and with any resident dogs will do an extremely careful scrutiny of the dynamics of your current pack.
We hear far too often things like "the breeder sold us our female then sold us the 2nd female the next year, all was great until a week ago and now they can't stand the sight of each other and just want to kill each other....why did he do that and not warn us?"
Contact us at
AkitaAdvocates@cox.net to find out when we will be at a Petsmart store near you!
IF YOU HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING FOSTERING *NOW * IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION TO HELP THIS WONDERFUL BREED WE ALL LOVE -- or a small dog! Please Contact Us Today!!
Email AkitaAdvocates@cox.net IF YOU CAN ASSIST BY **FOSTERING**, HELPING WITH TRANSPORT, OR FOR MONETARY DONATIONS TO COVER Gas, Vet Costs and Boarding Costs.
If you can spare anything, please help. Every penny and item counts!
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING OUR WEBSITE AND AVAILABLE DOG LISTINGS!
WITHOUT OUR WONDERFUL & DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, ADOPTERS, FOSTERS AND THOSE WHO HELP GET THE WORD OUT, WE COULD NOT SAVE ANY OF THEM.
The last thing we want to do is leave Akitas sitting in the shelter to die, but without increased support and fundraising, we sadly have no choice and cannot save them all. Thank you to everyone helping us gather donations for the Akitas.
All donations raised by AARTA go directly to the care and housing of the Akitas we take in. These big fluffy babes, through no fault of their own often find themselves at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and other shelters, where we take them off of the euthanasia list and find them new homes. All dogs we place are altered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Pets received from Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) are licensed for Maricopa County, Arizona.
Please support our efforts by donating today! Email AkitaAdvocates@cox.net or visit our MAIN WEBSITE: www.AkitaAdvocates.com and use convenient Paypal - the secure, free, easy way to pay!
Akita People:
AARTA is always looking for more help with the homeless Akitas. We are VERY thankful for all of our volunteers who make a difference by caring for the dogs in so many ways... shopping for treats and toys, making runs to pick up a sick dog who needs to go to the vet, talking to people at adoption events about the dogs and the breed, giving quality care and sponsoring healthcare for our needy Akitas, donating funds for the continued care of homeless Akitas, the creativity and generosity of those who are continually making items to sell and things to support and further our cause... and the list goes on.
Carol, Ken, Sabrina, Terri, Suzanne, Sia, Patrick, Nicole, Anthony, Kelly, Armoun, Sonny, Ken, Nicole, Gordon, you are all so appreciated - I hope you know how much your efforts impact the dogs of AARTA. ROO ROOOO & THANK YOU!
We are a group of friends and Akita club members dedicated to helping Akitas in need, and placing orphaned Akitas in approved homes.
Our adoptable Akitas are in foster homes and in a commercial kennel that costs us Dearly; we do not have a shelter facility. All our efforts are done in our spare time, with our own and donated funds.
One question we hear over and over again... "Isn't it difficult to let go of a dog once it's been living in your home? Doesn't it break your heart to say goodbye? How do you do it?" What is important to keep in mind is the level of screening AARTA does in approving adoptive homes. Our interview process and careful screening allows us the comfort zone to "give up" our foster babies knowing they are going to be a great addition to a wonderful forever home for them. We're are then able to save another life as there is again room for one more.
Fostering an orphaned Akita can last anywhere from three days in an emergency situation up to six months for general foster care. You're not locked into any commitment if things aren't working out as you expected. Rather it is irresponsible owners who are to blame or them ending up homeless to begin with. Unfortunately our beloved Akitas fail the temperament testing done by shelters. This is because they are tested with other dogs, and tested with food and other dogs. Most of our furkids aren't too happy about "sharing their kibble."
The orphans we are able to help from the shelters really are great dogs. They seem to have a sense of being given a second chance and are so grateful and loving. Their unconditional love, and seeing them go into great new homes and families, is priceless Don't take our word for it - visit with one of our foster families and see for yourself - then give it a shot - we think you'll be hooked!
Just like owning an Akita teaches you a few things and changes you for the better, fostering one does the same thing but you can do it over and over again to multiply that good feeling!
To become one of our Approved Foster Homes, visit our MAIN WEBSITE: www.AkitaAdvocates.com for an application and foster agreement.
An "Approved Foster Home" is one who has completed the application process, which is very similar to our adoption process, including home visit, and references are verified. References must be people who do not live in your home. Our process is thorough and is designed to find suitable temporary homes while a forever home is found. The dogs we take in frequently have been strays or juggled around already, therefore stability is crucial. Most are already pott-trained and have some obedience
Contact us by email:
AkitaAdvocates@cox.net or call 602-88-AKITA (882-5482) to register as an AARTA foster home and make a difference!
AARTA - Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona
P.O. Box 12016
Adoption fees effective December 1, 2009:
Baby: zero to twelve months old $375
Young: 13 months to four years old $325
Adult: over four to eight years old $275
Senior: over eight years old $225
Baby: zero to twelve months old $250
Young: 13 months to four years old $200
Adult: over four to eight years old $150
Senior: over eight years old $100
Make a donation to help us pay our boarding costs of saving these precious lives! As of July 1, 2009, we have 0 dogs in paid boarding due to debt, and are jam packed in our two active foster homes.
WE ARE STILL OVER $24,000** IN DEBT FOR BOARDING, TWO CASES OF BLOAT, AND OTHER NEEDED VET PROCEDURES spanning the past 15 months.
Each dog we previously housed, cost $300 every month --- that was every dog we had who was not in a foster home. For part of summer 2008, that was 20 to 22 dogs, for six weeks!
**the previous figure of 18k was boarding & some vets costs, but did not include the bloat cases.
we count on our Donors, Supporters, Dog Lovers and Previous Adopters who value our work, to Assist us in helping us continue saving lives ----- IN A VARIETY OF WAYS!.
How Does AARTA Define a "Good, Ethical, Reputable & Responsible Breeder"?
We define this as:
A) having a Code Of Ethics that they follow in their puppy sales & breeding program which they're willing to share with you. This would be a joint COE with other Akita (or other breed) people through an Akita (or other breed) Club, either local or national, or maybe both.
B) actively show their dogs against others of the breed--this keeps their perspective and helps ensure they are striving to improve the breed's health and/or temperament, and maintaining the breed standard. This also shows their commitment TO the breed and that their breeding program isn't simply a money-making efffort. "Hobby breeders" do things the right way, show, do all health testing prior to choosing a mate for their dog in any breeding program. They know they will never recoup the money the put into their dogs, but for them improving temperament and maintaining the standard is Why they do it, not for an income.
C) They will also check you out as well or more than you check them out and will help you with any issues that arise, health, conflict, accept the dog back, etc.
Most will ship to you wherever you are, without concern for matching personalities, or other pets in the household.
We and local ethical breeders have received inquiries on, and had several complaints about local unethical "breeders" in the towns of: Maricopa, Apache Junction, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
AARTA cannot name names for libel/slander reasons (some of these "breeder' websites go so far as to talk of their lawyers & pending lawsuits), but WE CAN and WILL tell you a simple "yes I'd go there" or "no I'd pass on them" if you do ask about someone specific. We can also provide testimonials from very unhappy puppy buyers who are taking legal actions against unethical "breeders" so you can avoid them specifically, if you want more information.
Or "she said since they were siblings they'd get along just fine". Really really sad. Help keep this from happening to Your family and friends ---- Help Educate!
AARTA's Wish List
Donations - sponsor an Akita!
We have found an INCREDIBLE PROPERTY that is Very Well Suited for our Rescue. It is in Gilbert, Az, and will be turned over to the bank soon - asking price is $199,000 --- worth over $500,000 but Not Selling and the Owners Are Ready to Negotiate! We are looking for an investor to Purchase this property for us to continue and Expand our work. WE will MAINTAIN the Property, We just don't have the current means to purchase it! Maybe you know someone in a position to help?? Contact Deb at AkitaAdvocates@cox.net for details.
a 10' x 10' E-Z up Tent for adoption events
High Quality Dog Food (no corn or animal by-products) ---- We love Goober Express!
Sterilized Bones, Treats and Toys
Chain Link Fence panels or other building supplies for dog runs
Stainless Steel food & water pails and dishes
Car Detailing services/gift cards for our transport volunteers' hardworking vehicles!
Collars of all sizes
blankets, towels, and paper towels
Leashes - 4' and 6'
Dog Beds
Tick Preventative
Monetary donations for Vet care & Boarding bills
all sizes folding wire crates -- particularly 40" and 42"
Foster Homes!!
Transportation to Adoption Events
Transportationto Vet appointments
PetsMart gift cards
Petco gift cards
Goober Express (high quality dog food) gift cards or credit Click here to visit www.gooberexpress.com
Ryan's gift cards or credit Click here to visit www.ryanspet.com
New items to raffle for fundraisers (weekend getaways, restaurant gift cards, services)
Monetary donations - sponsor an Akita!
BOWL-A-RAMA is one of our biggest annual fundraisers every year.
Each year we've participated, we raised a minimum of $1000 annually and plan to increase that amount in 2010.help us beat our previous record meet this year's goal of $6,000!! We can do any kind of creative program to Promote Bowl-A-Rama ---- AGAIN, We Are Open To Hearing YOUR Ideas!!! Mark your calendar and don't miss the fun the first Saturday every August ---- Next time it falls on August 7th, 2010! --- for the 8th Annual Bowl-A-Rama! Stay tuned for our plans on how to meet this years goal!!
Winter is UPON US!
Please keep our fluffy friends in mind when planning your contributions.
It isn't too late to plan your 2009 Charitable Giving.
Each dog we save touches not only our hearts, but greatly impacts the lucky family that adopts him or her. In this way we are helping families as well as saving lives of beautiful dogs. Mail your check today made out to "C.A.B.R.A. -- AARTA" at P. O. Box 12016, Glendale, Arizona 85318-2016, for a tax-deductible receipt for your contribution.
***When a tax-deductible receipt isn't needed, feel free to use our safe and secure PayPal button at www.AkitaAdvocates.com .
Have you ever considered joining your local Akita club? Here in Arizona we have the Squaw Peak Akita Club and one of the year's most fun functions is the Spring Match Picnic. We join together with the Shiba Inu club. We have games, contests, a pot luck lunch (no we don't toss all the dogs together -- don't worry). Email us at
AkitaAdvocates@cox.net or call 602-88-AKITA (882-5482) for more information on our next fun event.
The Squaw Peak Akita Club welcomes new members, and consists of local, Responsible breeders (the Club has a strong Code of Ethics) and pet Akita owners, some rescue adoptees, some pet quality purchased, all who simply love their dogs!
** Since our inception in December 2004 we have placed over 400 dogs in forever homes!! ** We are very proud and hope you will join us in our efforts! We have worked hard to do this and aren't stopping - rather we are working harder and smarter to not only place orphaned Akitas but also to Help Owners KEEP their dogs through education, training, and referrals to lower priced vets for needed care.
Who We Are
This is truly a labor of love. Please help us to save and care for these magnificent dogs.
Not ready for a long-term commitment?
Consider instead, a short-term commitment by helping a dog in need, and getting some canine love returned ten times over! Foster homes are our greatest need - if you know and love the breed, but are not quite ready for a lifetime commitment, fostering will give you the companionship you desire and help homeless dogs at the same time!
Answer: Yes, and no! Watching a dog learn to trust, play, gain weight and get over an illness is extremely fulfilling. Even just watching the healthy ones adjust to being in a home again, and finding the perfect family for each one, is a great feeling that is unmatched in other accomplishments. Talk to some of our fosters and see for yourself!
You are filling a very important, and much needed role. Sometimes we just need an extra spot for a few days until a space is available in the kennels where we board. Taking dogs from the shelter, we are working on a finite time schedule, they have to go out or they have to go down (be euthanized). There is no negotiating with the shelters past a couple of days if the dog is not deemed adoptable. The county shelter workers have the toughest job of all and are not to blame for the need to euthanize many animals on a daily basis.
Our New Mailing Address:
Glendale, AZ 85318-2016
MAIN WEBSITE: www.AkitaAdvocates.com
Akita Message Line: 602-88-AKITA (882-5482)
Email:
AkitaAdvocates@cox.net
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter
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